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China develops new rotary detonation engine that promises to change the performance of supersonic vehicles. Understand the differences of the new engine for the market of aircraft.
An engine capable of transforming a shock wave into stable propulsion is the idea behind a recent technological breakthrough. In China, a team of scientists has developed a new rotary detonation engine that could redefine supersonic vehicles and the challenges associated with their engines.
New rotary detonation engine reaches Mach 4,2
Since the 1950s, detonation engines have attracted increasing interest in aeronautics. These engines harness the power of supersonic combustion waves to improve energy efficiency.
However, its adoption is still hampered by thrust instability and technical constraints that remain insurmountable. In this context, Tsinghua University in Beijing announced the Ram-Rotor Detonation Engine (RRDE).
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By combining a ram-rotor-inspired compressor with a rotary detonator, this new rotary detonation engine achieves continuous operation, marking a breakthrough for this type of propulsion. Its operation is based on a continuous loop, where compressed air mixed with fuel ignites through shock waves, generating constant thrust. This system ensures unique stability, even at speeds reaching Mach 4,2, according to tests carried out.
The China explain that this new rotary detonation engine stands out for its compact structure and exceptional efficiency. The rotor, equipped with helical blades, optimizes the compression of the air-fuel mixture under ideal conditions for regular detonation, regardless of the inlet air flow.
Numerical simulations confirmed that detonation remains stationary in the proposed configuration. This enables adaptation in parameters such as airflow rate or fuel richness, thus ensuring robust performance.
Obstacles of the new rotary detonation engine
Despite these successes of the new rotary detonation engine, obstacles remain. Stabilizing detonation waves and managing heat are among the challenges to be overcome.
However, the team sees these obstacles as key steps toward widespread adoption. If these efforts bear fruit, RRDE could become a key solution for supersonic vehicles, opening new horizons in aeronautics and space exploration.
A rotary detonation engine is a type of engine that uses detonation waves to generate thrust. Unlike conventional combustion engines, it exploits supersonic combustion, where a shock wave moves through an air-fuel mixture, releasing energy efficiently.
In this engine, an annular chamber concentrates the detonation waves, which rotate around a central axis. This rotation maintains continuous combustion, eliminating the interruptions in the cycle seen in other detonation engines.
Its main advantage lies in the pressure gain, which improves both energy efficiency and thrust. However, its technical complexity, particularly in wave stabilization, remains a barrier to widespread adoption. The rotary detonation engine promises compact and efficient propulsion, paving the way for applications in supersonic aviation and space.
Japan advances in the use of detonation engine
It is worth noting that, a few years ago, the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) announced the successful test of a detonation engine that can be used to power aircraft, rockets and spacecraft.
Unlike a conventional rocket engine, in which fuel burns continuously, a detonation engine generates sequential explosions in a rotating ring-shaped structure. The explosions are short in duration but repeated at high speed, reaching frequencies of up to 100 kHz.
